Something Lost, Something Found

A/N: This chapter brings the story full circle to the beginning of the tale, as started in chapter one, and from here on out, the plot will more speedily proceed forward to the end. Also, when I began this story so long ago, I gave Luna Lovegood's mother the first name of 'Hibiscus', surname 'Hope', but J. K. Rowling has since then revealed that Mrs Lovegood's first name is Pandora (maiden name still unknown), so her canon first name will now be used in any relevant, remaining chapters. Thank you for your understanding and patience (with everything) through the years.

* S *

Severus had been warned.

"Nagini's memories... Well, her identity may not be as before... She'll need time," Dumbledore had confided to Severus one day while he visited her as she lay unconscious in the hospital ward, sitting by her bed.

Severus had had time to think. To reflect about everything. However, no amount of reflection on all the events that had recently happened seemed to offer any relief. He seemed to only be digging himself deeper and deeper into unchartered territory.

And yet, he embraced plunging further into the unknown, believing he had the strength and skill to face anything fate might throw his way; more concretely, anything his Slytherin housemates, Dumbledore, or the Dark Lord might challenge him with.

* S *

And so it was that several weeks had passed since Severus found the bodies of Nagini and Pettigrew unconscious at the bottom of a gully in the Forbidden Forest. Several weeks of private Occlumency lessons with Dumbledore, albeit under the guise of detention; several tedious weeks of Rodolphus attempting to provoke some further response from him; several anxious weeks of isolating himself outside of classes, watching and waiting by Nagini's bedside, when allowed, waiting for her to awake.

When she did, Nagini was at the beginning non-responsive, seemingly unable or too weak to speak. He took to reading to her his notes for exam revisions, hoping that something would spark her interest, hoping that there would be something she noticeably fancied, something to distract and motivate her, or something that would reach and touch her from within that she could grasp onto, a lifeline to help lead her to and hasten her recovery.

True, Severus' first impulse after he had awoken in the hospital wing from Dumbledore's Calming Draught and realized he had his full senses back was to storm down to Slytherin Dungeon, find Rodolphus, and beat his brains in, Muggle-style. He had had to be patient and calm, controlling and holding all his feelings in on returning to the Slytherin dormitory, waiting and watching for Lestrange.

He did not have to wait long, for Lucius called him to his room for a private talk, but the Head Boy was not alone in his room.

Severus had launched himself at the other person, Rodolphus, upon setting eyes on the cut-throat swine, pummelling Lestrange's face. It had taken more than one hex from Lucius to subdue him and another one to disentangle him from the lout.

But it wasn't until he lashed out again with his wand at Lestrange, grazing Rodolphus' upper arm with a severing spell that Lucius had fully interceded. Restraining Severus' wand arm, Lucius warned, "Calm the fuck down, Severus! Or even that mark of loyalty you bear won't stop retaliation being done on you! You were told more than once she had been marked by and for others."

"It's only a nick," sneered Lestrange, putting pressure on his wound with his free hand. "But yes, know your place, Snape!" Rodolphus' bloodied lips curled shrewdly. "Besides, what have you to complain about? Doesn't reciprocity mean anything to you? You had Bella...yes, of course I know all about it. Cheer up, Sevy, Bella says you fuck like a Dark god, not a compliment she gives to everyone..."

Severus made another lunge at Lestrange, only to have Lucius restrain him again, as Rodolphus spat, "It was my turn to have who I had claimed before you started desiring her!"

"You treated her like a bloody animal..."

"She provoked the Dark Lord, you fucking twit!" snarled Rodolphus. "Tried to strangle him in her fucking Animagus form!"

"She's nothing to you, any of you...she claimed me!"

"And what was Bella to you?" Lestrange callously chided, "Don't be thick, as if Nagini has any right to claim anything, an illegitimate, half-blood..."

"Enough, Rodophus!" snarled Lucius.

"Lucius, you know I didn't truly mean that in that way..."

"I know what you meant. Perfectly, Rodolphus. Leave and get yourself healed and cleaned up. Narcissa can do it. I'll deal with Severus."

"You're wasting your breath with this one, dear friend; he'll never change, too duplicitous, too soft," whispered Rodolphus darkly and slowly made as if to leave. But right before exiting, he turned to Severus, saying, "Remember this, Snape. I never forgive, and I never forget."

"Nor I, Lestrange."

Rodolphus smiled a malignant smile at him and left.

Lucius leaned back, sitting on the edge of his desk, pinching the top of his nose, then rubbed the ridge of his forehead as if to relieve stress, quietly saying, "We seventh years will be leaving Hogwarts very soon. Next week in fact. N.E.W.Ts are ending. Moreover, I have extremely important matters to attend to than these petty rows between you and Rodolphus. It ends here, Severus. Your concern about Nagini. Do you understand?"

"Perfectly."

"Why do I not believe you, Severus? We've had a similar conversation before, not too long ago in fact." Lucius sniffed, impatient. "Say what is on your mind."

"No need. There's nothing further to talk about." Severus turned away, making to leave.

"Don't turn your back on me; we're not finished!" barked Lucius, glaring resentfully at him.

"But we are." He stared back at Malfoy, coolly and masking well his inner thoughts.

And with that, he withdrew. Not merely from Lucius' room, but Severus withdrew from fraternizing with the inner circle, becoming even more reclusive, scheming. He didn't know exactly how or exactly when, but he would avenge what had been done to Nagini. Stealthily, patiently, and no one will ever know. Lestrange will get his comeuppance!

* S *

As he sat yet again beside Nagini's infirmary bed, reflecting on all that had transpired in the last weeks, Severus realized he was breathing hard and deep again, recalling the violent tiff with Rodolphus. He slowly let his fingertips gently touch hers. A small thrill went through him as he noted they were warm.

It's been weeks since she came out of her comatose state... But I'm so restless, wanting her to finally leave here. Today is finally the day!

Since coming to in the second week of her recuperation, Severus watched as Nagini began to communicate in stops and starts, and how her strength had increased, particularly over the last few weeks. Madam Pomfrey assured me that this is a very good sign. The worst is over!

And so Severus waited very patiently beside Nagini's bed, hoping to catch her when she awoke before he had to leave and go to Dumbledore. For the school year was ending, and outside the tranquil serenity of the hospital ward, the chaotic and frenetic energy of final exams for sixth years, along with O.W.Ls and N.E.W.Ts for the fifth and seventh years, purveyed the entire student body.

And inside Slytherin house, a certain esoteric circle of Slytherins were doubly frenzied, but it had nothing to do with inner-school matters, but rather what a certain Dark Lord was promising to all who followed him. What will the future bring? thought Severus to himself as he watched Nagini's gentle breathing.

Sitting there, Severus was suddenly snapped out of his reflection by the soft, dulcet voice of Pandora Hope. "Oh, she's sleeping."

He looked up to see both Pandora and Xenophilius hovering around, Lovegood saying in a quiet voice, "When we were visiting yesterday, she asked for her mother's diary." He held out an old, frail-looking book. "I must hurry off; today I have my N.E.W.Ts in Charms."

"Will you give it to her from us when she awakes?" asked Pandora, her large protuberant eyes imploring Severus. "I know she trusts you dearly." She gave him a knowing smile. "And that you're a special, true friend. Let her know we're sorry for keeping it so long."

Ignoring Pandora's personal comments, Severus skimmed over a random page, but then quickly snapped it closed, commenting in a bored tone, "A book about ancient runes?"

"It isn't a book strictly about ancient runes," corrected Lovegood mulishly. "It's a journal. An intimate diary of sorts with coded, personal commentary along with spells and notes."

"It seems her mother, among many things, was a brilliant calligrapher and transcriber of ancient hierglyphics as well as all ancient runes, Muggle and wizard alike," chimed in Pandora supportively. "Although some parts, particularly at the beginning, are of a personal nature...she seems to have been much younger when she first started the diary, our age perhaps... and very unhappy. Family and private issues." She looked away dreamily distracted for a second before adding, "But that all changed apparently. For the rest of the diary is significantly academic in nature. And she writes enthusiastically about accomplishing a goal; although only generally, she didn't write exactly what it was she had actually achieved. Perhaps it was the process that excited her."

Severus raised an eyebrow, his curiosity piqued.

"Having Abraxas Malfoy as your brother along with the circle he kept, one shouldn't be surprised about her feelings of discomfit. Regardless of the domestic ruminations of a young witch, which should be kept private and separate from her accomplishments, objectively speaking, Lucretia Malfoy's expertise and depth of knowledge is quite profound and revelatory," Xenophilius cooed with enthusiasm. "Nagini's mother was quite fluent in the ways of the Elder Futwark; the content is quite unprecedented and shall be featured in the very first publication of The Quibbler!"

"The what?" asked Severus, becoming irritated.

"Didn't you hear? Xeno will publish a monthly magazine as an alternative to the Ministry-controlled Daily Prophet," informed Pandora proudly.

"In order to let the public know the truth!" announced Xenophilius pedantically. "Not what the Ministry is manipulatively feeding us."

Severus inwardly groaned, quickly speculating at the kinds of articles the eccentric Ravenclaw would publish, and intentionally turned his attention to the diary, opening it again. "There seems to be pages missing...no, there are gaps in sections? Is this how you received it?"

"Yes," confirmed Pandora serenely. "We also found it curious that pages were left blank between different parts..."

"Naturally, room to add on further research and observations, my dear," quipped Xeno.

"But Nagini's mother never did." Pandora sighed wistfully. "Such a shame. She has such unusual theories and observations. I can't wait to try some of her spells..."

"Now, dearest, one must be careful. Approach everything in a cautious and reverent way..."

The couple speculated a bit more before excusing themselves and leaving.

Relieved the talkative Ravenclaws had finally gone, Severus gave a concerned look to Nagini and then slowly opened the book again to note its contents more carefully. Yes, it's an unusual diary of sorts... Such a hodgepodge of writing... His eyes darted quickly over and through several pages. Runic spells, itemised lists of ingredients... Travel notes... Personal notes...

He noticed blank pages throughout and returned to one page near the beginning after a list of runes, reading, 'I ran into the great-aunt of Gellert Grindewald, Batilda Bagshot, today at Madam Malkin's. Batilda is such a tedious old bird, but meeting her great-niece, Dymphna, was an unexpected pleasure... It's fascinating how much we have in common and what a small world it is... I think she's the one... the missing link to help me reach my goals! Greatness will be mine! I will achieve what has never been done before. I will push magic beyond its limits...even that presumptuous Riddle will acknowledge my superiority! If only he wasn't so charming... But anything to make Abraxas suffer... I'll show both of them!'

Severus turned the page. Fuck! It's blank!

Just then, he heard Nagini's movements and saw she was slowly waking up.

"Hello," he said softly and on impulse closed and slipped the diary into his robe's pocket.

At first startled, her features focused on him and then relaxed. "I know your voice. I know you."

Severus felt a thrill vibrate through him. She's more of her old self today! Exhilarated, he launched in on updating her on school goings-on, timetables for sixth years' final exams, offering, "The professors will surely schedule yours separately when you're ready to sit for them...I'll help you with revising..."

Nagini said nothing but listened attentively to him. When he had spoken about the routinely mundane matters, he remembered what he was most eager to share with her.

"As you know, you've been moved to Slytherin house, sharing a room with Narcissa Black. One of her roomates has left school already. Yesterday, in fact." Severus struggled to chat lightly, trying to think of what she might like to hear. "Like Narcissa, she will marry soon, and the other transferred to Durmstrang, although that was a few weeks ago... Your uncle Abraxas was here again... and met with the Headmaster, Slughorn, and Flitwick. Lucius said that Dumbledore even brought and placed the Sorting Hat on your head again..." He hesitated momentarily before assuring her, "The seventh years are leaving next week, so you'll only have to tolerate them briefly. And I and Narcissa shall..."

"I don't remember."

Severus halted, unsure exactly what she was referring to and equally unsure how to talk around what had happened to her. Don't discuss anything that could excite her in her condition, keep the discussions neutral, Pomfrey had warned him.

"I don't remember," she repeated, closing her eyes.

He took and rubbed her hand gently, saying, "It doesn't matter. You simply need rest and time. You're on the mend now. Madam Pomfrey said..."

"Severus? Are we... close friends?"

Severus froze.

She apparently saw his shock, explaining, "I'm sorry, but I...I don't remember how well I know you. You seem to know a lot about me, and you've been so kind to visit me every day and read to me, keeping me informed."

He slowly let go of her hand and sat up straight, perplexed.

Nagini slowly confessed, "But I have this feeling when seeing you, something very strong and pulsating in one moment, but then it seems to be washed away." She seemed embarrassed about this.

"Yes. Yes, we're friends," he managed to answer, his voice low and hoarse. "On some levels, one could say close friends." He attempted a smile but failed. "Depends on how you define close."

"That's nice..." She gave him a curious look. "I'm so very glad that you're my friend. Thank you." She reached for his hand and gave it a gentle squeeze.

Severus could feel his blood pulsing in his veins. She doesn't remember... us? What has she been thinking all this time? What does she remember?

"Mr Snape, you'll need to go now, visiting time is over." It was the Matron. "I must help get Nagini all ready to return in top form. Tomorrow she returns to classes."

He hurriedly stood up, saying, "I understand, Madam Pomfrey."

"But it's been the best medicine, having a good friend nearby everyday." Pomfrey seemed to note his glumness. "Don't worry, young man. You'll be seeing her soon enough."

Severus could only nod his head curtly, suddenly eager to get away, to find an isolated spot and be alone. And think! Read this bloody diary... Nagini doesn't remember us? What else did the swines do to her, Obliviate her memory? Ah, bloody hell, I have detention with Dumbledore! Maybe we can start early...

He rushed down the Gargoyle Corridor towards the Headmaster's office.

"Kumquat salad," he hissed at the gargoyle, who moved aside allowing Severus to race up the circular stairwell. Dumbledore's office was opened.

"You're early, Severus. Help yourself to some lemon drops, courtesy of Professor McGonagall."

"No, thank you, sir."

"You seem unusually excitable. Have you something you wish to say before we begin our Legilimency and Occlumency drills?"

Severus clenched his teeth. Dumbledore knew all. Everything that had transpired between him and Nagini before that fateful night looking for Horklumps. It had all come out little by little, but Severus had felt an uncomfortable relief on some level, knowing that the Headmaster knew for certain that it could not have possibly been him who had raped and mistreated Nagini so; that any interaction he had had with the Malfoy witch was mutual and consensual. Out of a true caring for her, out of ... He stopped, unable to finish his thought.

Severus swept his thin, long lanks out of his face and behind his ears, pulling his wand out, desiring to get this session, or rather this detention, over with as soon as possible. For his subsequent violent attack on Rodolphus had not gone unreported, due to a spiteful Guinevere Rookwood who, as a witch scorned by him, dutifully reported the incident.

His supposed detentions with none other than the Headmaster had worked out well. On one hand, the sessions appeared as deserved punishments to any and all concerned about him attacking a fellow student, but on the other hand, the 'detentions' were the perfect cover for private lessons and mentoring from the great, elderly wizard.

"Severus?"

"I've just come from the hospital wing, sir. Nagini told me, after all these weeks for the first time, that... she doesn't remember me, us."

Dumbledore seemed to consider this information carefully before commenting, "A side effect of her trauma... or certain memories of you have been deliberately tampered with. Perhaps a blessing in disguise."

"Sir?"

"If she does not remember you two together in any intimate way, one can conclude that she doesn't remember anything about other times with anyone else, being... violated. This reinforces what we have suspected." Dumbledore peered at Severus over his half-moon spectacles intently. "For she has told Madam Pomfrey that she can remember classes and being in Ravenclaw, general school activities, but on the day in question, in particular, she can only remember falling down the hill and everything going black."

"And Pettigrew?"

"Likewise."

Severus felt like a knot in his gut was tightening and had already had enough of Dumbledore, even though he fleetingly supposed the Headmaster was trying to be as tactful and honest as possible. But still, Severus wished to leave. "Shall we begin, sir?"

"Impatient this evening, Severus?" The older wizard gave him an odd look. "Yes, let us begin. However, I must first say, you are quite an accomplished master of Occlumency." Dumbledore paused, contemplating something momentarily. "Yes, an extremely accomplished Occlumens, Severus. In fact, we shall be ending our lessons together today...your detention, as it were."

"Sir?"

"Out of curiosity, has Lucius asked nothing about your detention with me?"

"No, sir. For the most part, we're not on speaking terms unless it is needed. He, being a seventh year, seems quite occupied with other concerns." Severus hoped Dumbledore would accept this answer and prod no further.

"Ah, yes, he and Narcissa Black will be wedded immediately after term ends. It's a pity."

"Sir?"

"A waste of a highly talented witch. Miss Black will not finish her Hogwarts education, rather she will be fully embracing her role as Lucius Malfoy's wife. It's a pity that there could not be a longer engagement period until she completed her N.E.W.Ts. Other young couples seem to understand the benefits of it and are prepared to wait."

Severus stood still in duelling position as Dumbledore elaborated, "Xenophilius and Pandora, Potter and Evans, for instance, have announced they are betrothed, but they have the insight to wait until they've finished their formal schooling."

It all happened so fast.

Severus felt as if all the air had been sucked out of his lungs; the images of Potter and Lily kissing up against the wall flashed vividly through his mind, the thoughts of, No! Not James Potter, that arrogant piece of shite, Lily!, and then Dumbledore's Legilimency spell hitting him so hard he felt himself thrown back against the wall, snapping and slinking to the floor.

His mind was searched briefly, and before he could resist and close it off further to the invader, he was let go from the Headmaster's spell.

"Guard up, Severus! Never let your guard down. A wizard such as Tom Riddle will undo you when you are most vulnerable. As my good friend Moody would say, 'Constant Vigilance'!"

Severus made a spastic movement as if to get up when the diary fell out of his pocket. In a flash, he grabbed and stuffed it securely back.

His action did not go unnoticed by the Dumbledore; however, the Headmaster didn't comment on it, but rather pointed out, "You consort in very dangerous circles, Severus. Is that truly what you want?"

Glaring, Severus made an involuntary vicious grunt in frustration at Dumbledore's clever trickery. He knew just how to distract me!

Severus slowly stood up, leaning against the stone wall, panting as if a great weight were being pressed against his chest. He could not...would not make eye contact with Dumbledore.

"You've known Lily and been close to her since you were children, before coming here?"

Severus gave a curt nod.

"Such feelings of love and bonding will never go away, Severus. They will be a part of you, always. It is important that you understand these things."

Severus twitched slightly, looking at the Headmaster through his long lanky hair. "I'm afraid you're mistaken, sir."

"Like I am mistaken about your concern for Nagini Malfoy?"

Severus straightened up; he could feel his entire body tensing and burning. He felt afire with frustration and rage.

"There are many forms of love in this world, Severus. You need not be ashamed of a particular one...nor afraid."

He snarled, "I am neither!"

"Aren't you?"

Severus felt a slight tremble thrum through him. "May I be excused, sir?"

"Forgive me, Severus. I had to show you where and how your true enemies will attack you, the missing chink in your armour that lays open, leaving you vulnerable. You can deny your feelings all you wish, but..."

"You are mistaken, Headmaster. I am master of my feelings and will not be so easily swayed again."

Dumbledore sighed a long, heavy sigh. After several seconds, he finally said, "I feel you are at a crossroads, Severus; which path you will fully embrace has not yet been carved in stone. You still have a chance to make different choices."

Severus avoided Dumbledore's piercing look, staring at a small crack on the stone floor while the elder wizard continued, "Along with all the things you hear and believe about Tom Riddle, never forget that Tom is devoid of normal human responses to other people's suffering nor never underestimate his skills nor his fickle pettiness..."

Severus' jaw muscles clenched tightly, and through gritted teeth, he uttered, "Lesson learned, sir. May I be excused?"

Dumbledore appeared to be ruminating over something, as he did not answer immediately. Finally, he gave his permission. "Very well, Severus. But may I ask, will you not consider accepting the Potions internship position this summer? Professor Slughorn cannot stop complimenting and recommending you."

"I'll let you know, sir. Just not today. May I leave?"

"Of course, Severus. Look forward to knowing your decision soon. It is the choices that we make that define us, yes?"

Severus gave him a terse nod and fled from Dumbledore's office like a blind bat seeking refuge somewhere away from it all. Lily! Potter, you bastard! Rodolphus! Nagini! Lucius! Dumbledore!

He felt as if he were being suffocated, leading him to seek a place where he could get some air and peace. He found himself at the Astronomy Tower.

* S *

Severus stood by the Astronomy Tower's railing staring out into the starless sky. He reflected on many things before retreating into a shadowed alcove and slinking down, sitting on the cold surface. With a flick of his wand, he nonverbally warmed the area and then cast a Lumos. He pulled out Nagini's mother's diary and started at the beginning.

Remembering that Xenophilius had commented that the blank pages would logically be left for additional notes to be taken on, he twisted his lips in shrewd thought, his eyes narrowing as he mused, What if there are already notes on them?

Placing the tip of his wand on a blank page, he whispered fiercely, "Aparecium!"

Very faintly, lines and forms took shape, appearing on the previously blank page.

Severus felt a thrill go through him, hungrily scanning through the content. He froze, not believing what he was reading, and went back slowly deciphering and re-reading again the mixture of runic and latinate notations, lest he was misinterpreting events and descriptions. For his blood ran cold as the very clear names of Tom Riddle, Dymphna Bagshot, Gellert Grindewald, and Rolph Lestrange appeared, mixed in with places: Nurmengard, Germany; Basel, Switzerland; Jealott's Hill, London; Imperial Chemical Innovators, Syngenscorp...

Something clicked in the recesses of Severus' mind. Imperial Chemical...something Muggle...? A Malfoy in the Muggle world? Incredulous!

He suddenly had a flashback of one of his father's drunken rants about how the mining industry of Cokeworth had been taken over, closed down in order to make 'those lousy Imperial bastards richer while we poor suffer, strangling the whole bloody Midlands, they are!'

Severus tapped another blank page with his Revealing Charm.

Cursive writing appeared, and he rapidly read, keenly driven by a deep need to understand further the mad world that Lucretia Malfoy dwelt in:

Just returned from Gringott's... I've been to the family vault. The Midas amulet is now in my possession. Abraxas will be so furious! But this is just the beginning... Before long, I will make him kneel before me and beg forgiveness...

Staying at the Leaky Cauldron. I must meet Dymphna down at the docks; we're to set sail for the continent. Must succeed in Nurmengard. Dymphna has a plan. We're to then meet up with Rolph in Basel; he has written that at long last, we can push magic beyond its known limits by including Muggle techniques. As a Squib, Rolph has lived among these advanced Muggles for many years and gathered all we need to know... I will create life!

Unlike Riddle and Abraxas, I do not fear Muggles. I will use them for my own gain.

Riddle wishes to conquer by death, but I will conquer by life!

Severus lowered the diary slowly to his lap, both astonished and mesmerised by what he was reading, but mostly overwhelmed. Nagini's mother, Abraxas, Riddle...the Dark Lord? Dymphna Bagshot, kin to Gellert Grindewald? And Nagini doesn't even know? Or how much does she know of her mother's past? How much of her memory was Obliviated?

Then, it struck Severus. Perhaps it wasn't solely Rodolphus who Obliviated Nagini's memories, but... the Dark Lord himself... Did Voldemort also erase select former knowledge about Lucretia Malfoy from her daughter's memories? What exactly transpired between him and Lucretia? Does the Dark Lord know she recorded happenings about them...about this diary?

Severus opened the diary to the next blank page and placed again his wand's tip on it, whispering, "Apercium!"

He would not stop until the whole bloody diary revealed all of its secrets to him.

* N *

They're never to be trusted...selfish, manipulative, throat-slitting, power hungry Slytherins! Nagini's ears were still ringing from the warnings of her former roomates in Ravenclaw as she packed and had her trunk moved to Slytherin. Only Pandora had not commented but quietly and kindly helped her with a few remaining items, walking her to the Dungeon Corridor and giving her a kiss on the cheek as they departed beside the stairwell leading down to the Slytherin door.

* N *

Nagini's first day back in classes, mostly revising for and scheduling her final exams, had her head throbbing in pain. She felt uncomfortable; even though the subject matter and professors were the same, the classmates were not. The atmosphere is so different somehow, being in the Slytherin and Gryffindor classes, she thought, vaguely recalling a more conducive environment when she was in Ravenclaw.

Perhaps it was partially the newness of being back in classes in general, after recovering in the hospital ward for a long stint, or perhaps it was being in the new grouping of primarily Slytherins and Gryffindors in particular, but anxious thoughts and strange, distorted images distracted her from fully concentrating in the here and now as she walked down the Dungeon Corridor towards the staircase leading down to the blank stone wall which was the entrance to the Slytherin dungeon.

Compared to Ravenclaw Tower, the Slytherin environment was all very new to her, causing a slight feeling of discomfit, but she was eager to return to her new room and rest, feeling a bit taxed from her first full day. Narcissa has been so welcoming to me. Nagini smiled as she remembered Narcissa saying, We're family, Nagini. And besides, I'm leaving school early in a few days. In a few weeks, Malfoy Manor will be my permanent home. I like knowing that you'll be here... and that we'll see each other soon...

But Nagini's smile faded slowly as she recalled a ring on Narcissa's finger, a ring with two large oval-shaped, gleaming emeralds set in a delicate S-shaped, silver design. Perplexed by the object, she felt her own fingers, feeling for the briefest second a phantom feeling of also wearing a ring...a simpler, metallic serpentine design flashed through her mind, but not finding one in actuality, her fingers fluttered up to her neck, also feeling that something was missing. A necklace!

"Hey, Malfoy! Do you remember this?"

Snapping her out of her thoughts, Nagini felt a rough shove of someone's shoulder into her and a force tugging and knocking her books and parchments out of her arms, scattering them all over the floor.

As she instinctively crouched down, frantically picking up what she could, she glanced up at the callous pranksters, remembering their names slowly, The Ravenclaw Belby and Gryffindor Black...

Black had grabbed her Dark Arts book, holding it out of her reach, toying with her.

"Give me my book back," she demanded, flustered.

"Nah, not until you tell me how ol' uncle Abraxas had you transferred to Slytherin," he flashed her a wolfish grin, "Or you give me a kiss. Let's say, um, behind Herbology Greenhouse six tonight. After dinner, sneak away. And I'll give you your book back if you're extra nice."

Nagini gave the roguish Gryffindor an odd look. It had only been her first day in classes with the different grouping of students, but Black had already stood out, striking her as unruly and tiresome. Completely unpredictable!

"Tell us how your uncle did it, Malfoy," demanded Marcus Belby. "My father wants to know!"

"I don't know. And I don't care. Give me back my book and leave me alone or..."

"What? You'll hex us?" Sirius mocked, "What's that, no wand? Lost it in the Forbidden Forest? What about your wandless magic, Malfoy? Rumour has it, you can get really wild with it... if provoked enough."

Something was niggling at the back of her mind as he taunted her, something unpleasant, as she tried to stay calm and replied, "I'm getting my wand back tonight from Professor Slughorn. Professor Flitwick had kept it since my detention in the forest..."

Talking over her, as if he didn't care what she was saying, he suggested, "Or you could just give me a quick peck now in promise of some real snogging tonight. Don't worry, my reputation can handle it."

Nagini had put on a brave front all day, trying to present herself full of energy, recovered, but now she was feeling weak, so weak. It was exhausting; this confrontation was so exhausting, and she couldn't understand why they were harassing her... She couldn't remember what the antagonism was about to provoke this, but she could feel a wild energy from Black and a deep resentment from Belby.

Her hands were holding a few of the books she had picked up as she shuffled back while the wild-eyed Black slowly approached her. "I've been asking around, finding out even more about you, Malfoy. For instance, I heard that if I get you in the right mood, I can make your hair turn pink. I wonder what deep purple would mean I'm doing to you?"

She looked into his eyes as he came face to face, and her head started throbbing as his features reminded her of someone else. "Don't," she whispered, scrunching her eyes shut as a powerful ache thrummed through her.

"What's the matter, Malfoy?" whispered Black in her ear. "You only put out for Death Eaters?"

Nagini could feel the books leaving her grip, falling to the floor, and saw purple and grey spots as she clenched her eyes tight, trying to suppress a wave of volatile magical force washing over her. She could hear laughter from the bullyboys, and a burning sensation was welling up inside her. She felt her magic would explode out of her, uncontrollably, if she unleashed it. Murderously!

"That'll do, Sirius."

She turned her head towards the voice and could make out a blonde witch in Slytherin robes. Narcissa!

In a haze, Nagini saw someone else come forward and stand beside her. Severus Snape!

"Cissy, you are always such a killjoy," commented Black to his cousin before turning to Severus, jibing, "Snivellus, you're always just a grovelling arse. Cissy's house-elf now, are you? What's your servant name, 'Greasy'?"

Nagini could see that Severus' eyes had a dangerous glint to them as he restrained himself and retorted, "You would know all about grovelling, wouldn't you? When you were disowned, I'm sure the Potters thoroughly enjoyed having you kiss their arses in order to bed with their son?"

"Fuck you, Snape."

Severus actually smiled. "Any time, any place, Black. Speaking of which, Head Boy Belby, haven't you an ardent note for a certain Slytherin? No? Regulus will be very disappointed. Again. Perhaps your petty father would like to know about your recent lack of love notes to your amour, even more than the triviality of why a student changed Houses, a Govenor of Hogwart's niece to say the least?" Severus sneered, asking, "Daddy's little peon, are you?"

"Shut it, Snape."

"If you'll behave, Belby. Be a good boy, and back the fuck off."

With an air of resignation for the time being, Marcus gave Sirius a jerk of the head as if to leave, but Black took a few steps towards Narcissa, causing Severus to ready his wand.

"I've always liked you, Cissy," confessed Sirius quietly and then he huffed, shrugging cockily. "Well, Andromeda is my favourite cousin, naturally. But you... I had so much hope for you, for you to be happy one day, do something that would surprise us all, not be uncle Cygnus' little poppet anymore. You know, break away and be your own woman. But now, Lucius Malfoy? He's a vile, evil, greedy swine, just like his father. I can't congratulate you."

Narcissa gave him a cool stare. "I didn't ask you to, Sirius."

"Yeah, well, we all have to live with our choices, don't we? When the final clash comes, don't expect me to help you, cousin."

"Likewise," Narcissa hissed softly, and as if covering a pain by forcing herself, she whispered, "Blood traitor..."

Severus saw Narcissa's eyes moisten, and he gripped his wand tightly, ready to defend against what would surely be an attack, but unexpectedly, Sirius abruptly turned away and headed off without another word with Marcus scampering to keep up with him.

Narcissa seemed to compose herself, asking Nagini, "Are you all right?"

Nagini nodded her head, asking, "Are you?"

Narcissa gave her a tight smile, saying, "Absolutely. I'm perfectly accustomed to Sirius' uncouth ways."

This unexpected run-in had Nagini's heart racing as never before and caused her to feel the urgent need to get her wand. I need my wand to help control and channel my magical energy or I think I'll explode! "Can you take me to Professor Slughorn's quarters? I need to speak with him."

"Perhaps, Madam Pomfrey?" suggested Severus, giving her a concerned look. "If you're not feeling..."

"No, it's not that. Is his quarters also on the dormitory level?" I need my wand back as soon as possible! Nagini felt her adrenaline flowing, and an excitable nervousness continued to pulsate through her wildly.

Upon finding Slughorn, Narcissa and Severus informed the Head of Sytherin about what happened when they came across Nagini.

"Ah, yes, Marcus Belby... of the Wizengamot Belbys... and excellent Potions masters in their family, you know. And Sirius Black, well, um, we all know about him, yes?" hedged Slughorn, turning to Nagini. "Well, now, formalities... Let's see, I suppose you wish me to make an official report to McGonagall and Flitwick?"

"No, sir. I just want my wand back."

"Nagini, you must," coerced Narcissa. "It's a matter of principle. Belby is leaving, but regardless, Sirius must be reprimanded to discourage his impetuous ways. I know my cousin all too well."

"Thank you both, but may I speak to Professor Slughorn alone?"

Giving her an odd look, Severus stared at her, not answering. She had the impression that he was heavy in thought about something else, and she started to ask them again, but he abruptly said, "If that is what you wish."

Narcissa seemed taken aback, about to refuse, but then she changed her mind and concurred, turning to Severus, "Shall we? See you later then in the Common room or in ours."

After they left, Nagini confided hurriedly, "Professor Slughorn, may I just have my wand back? I feel like a part of me is missing, and I'll need it for Dark Arts tomorrow. Also, I've scheduled my Charms final, and I'll need it for..."

"Of course, my dear girl. It's, um, been a bit of a whirlwind today and all. Just one moment." Smiling cordially, he seemed relieved that she didn't wish to officially file a complaint and motioned his fingers theatrically. Her wand flew to his hand from where it had been stored in a drawer in a wall cabinet.

He gave it to her, and she could feel the magic course down and around her body and through her arm to the wand's tip.

She trembled in relief.

"My dear, if you don't mind my saying so, you seem a bit nervy from today's happenings, and we can't have that, can we? I really shouldn't offer you Firewhisky, but I can offer you something better, a special concoction." He gave Nagini a sly but good-natured wink. "Take this Calming potion."

He waved his hand airily and a potion bottle flew to him. "It's a bit of a night toddy actually and will help you relax and get a good night's sleep, and in the morning you'll feel stronger...fresher than ever! Yes, good for the nerves, it is." He poured out the contents in a whisky glass and handed it to Nagini.

Much like Professor Flitwick on her first night in Ravenclaw, Professor Slughorn seemed to have only kind and best wishes for her, and in truth, she did feel a bit uncontrollably excitable still. She drank the potion, the bitter minty liquid caused everything from her sinus cavities to her toes to tingle. Even her eyes began to water.

Slughorn chuckled, "Yes, it's got quite a kick to it. But harmless, my dear. Run along now to your room and get some rest. You'll have enough time to prepare yourself for bed before the full effect takes hold."

* N *

It was then that as Nagini made her way through the Slytherin Common Room, Lucius invited her to sit and get to know his inner circle more intimately; and it was then and there where he demanded details of what had happened from her point of view in order to retaliate against her attackers more fully.

Apparently, Narcissa and Severus had informed him of some of what had transpired. Whether Lucius was solely short-tempered about Sirius' insulting remarks about Narcissa, him, the upcoming wedding, his father, or along with all of this, the blood-traitor's hounding of Nagini, all she knew was that Lucius was livid and eager to vent his frustration.

And yet, she rejected Lucius.

In front of his group of selected Slytherin wizards, she refused to do his will, refused to recognize and accept his leadership. For in that instant, she couldn't say why but she couldn't bear the sight of Rodolphus Lestrange nor the touch of Lucius grabbing at her, attempting to force her to comply with his wishes. Intertwining with her need to get to her room, the strange aftertaste of the slow but sure minty narcotic that Slughorn had given her was coursing through her veins, along with... her magical energy.

So much like his father, Abraxas, she thought as Lucius shouted at her, reminding her of everything his father had done for her and to whom she belonged. What was it that Sirius Black said...? He's vile, evil, greedy...? And so it was then and there in the Slytherin Common Room in her unsteady state, her magic swelled and exploded out of her, causing her to hex Lucius across the room.

My magic is back in full force! she thought and ran to her room for safety, feeling the heaviness of Slughorn's concoction kicking in full force, only to be followed by an infuriated Lucius, violently threatened by him, and then have him abruptly be called away.

Lying on her bed, she could finally give over to Slughorn's potion, but suddenly, blurred visions of Rodolphus Lestrange and Severus Snape came to her, causing her to struggle against her overcoming lethargy.

Random groggy thoughts and memories were whirling around in her mind. Severus! It's all been for you... for you... Whatever he wishes me to do, I'll do... to protect you! He knows...

The last thing she remembered hearing was the offer of help and concern by Severus Snape, and this act distinctly sealed Severus' image and his image alone in her dreams as she gave over to her narcotic sleep.

* S *